Rice is such an integral part of people’s diet in some parts of the world that ‘eating’ means ‘eating rice’ for them. Rice is also a staple food for nearly half the world’s population supplying at least half of the daily calories required. Naturally, it is counted to be amongst one of the most important grains we eat daily.
Another amazing feature of rice is that it is also a great beautifying aid. Asian women have made use of rice water for centuries to enhance their face, body, and hair. Traditionally, female rice farmers in many Southeast Asian countries such as China, Japan, etc. used to bathe and even wash in the water that is used for cleaning rice. Particularly, the Yao ethnic women from the China village, Huangluo is a testament to this tradition of growing long hair. As a bonus of applying this fermented rice water for hair, they also do not spot grey hair until their late eighties. Plus, it enables them to de-tangle and manages long, dark, and clean hair as well.
The Rice Water Rinse Advantage for Your Hair
Rice water is rich in minerals and vitamins that promote hair growth. It is known to deeply condition and protect hair. As it contains minerals, vitamins B and E, and amino acids, it gives a natural bounce to your hair. The scalp absorbs these micronutrients easily and promotes hair growth.
By now, it is clear that rice water is no ordinary remedy as its benefits are also hailed by modern science. Going by a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Chemists, the moment you apply rice water to your hair, it can bring down the friction between the hair strands along with improving hair elasticity. This also means that combing and detangling will be so much easier, and soon hair breakage becomes a thing of the past.
Another mind-blowing fact about rice water is that it contains a carbohydrate called inositol which repairs damaged hair. Specialized imaging technique means that inositol stays inside the hair even after rinsing, thereby offering continued hair protection.
A miracle tonic for your hair, Rice water offers protection for your hair and improves its manageability while making it look pretty. Additionally, it also contains amino acids. These acids strengthen the hair roots alongside adding volume and luster to your hair.
How to Make Plain & Fermented Rice Water?
To enjoy such incredible beauty benefits of rice water, all you need to do is get the water that you manage to soak your rice.
To prepare rice water, you will need:
1/2 cup uncooked rice (white, brown, basmati, long grain, short grain, jasmine, or whatever you have).
2 to 3 cups of water.
Instructions to make Plain Rice Water:
To prepare rice water first, rinse the rice with nearly a cup of water for getting rid of any dirt or impurities.
Then, set the rice in a bowl and cover with water. Soak the rice for 15 to 30 minutes. Lightly knead or swirl it around until the water becomes cloudy. This will let the nutrients seep into the water. As it creates a nourishing rinse, rice water acts as an essential vitamin for hair growth.
After straining out the rice water into a tidy bowl, it gets ready to use. This is a fast method to prepare rice water.
You can use the water thus prepared for your hair or let it ferment for added benefit.
Instructions for making Fermented Rice Water:
Once your rice water has been collected, let it be at room temperature for a day or so until it turns a little sour, which means that it has started to ferment. It can take anywhere between 1 to 2 days, depending on how warm it has become. So, the warmer is the room temperature, the faster will be the fermentation process.
To reduce the fermentation time, leave the rice to sit in the water and strain after it has fermented. (Keep it covered for almost 12 to 24 hours.)
To boil or not: The recommended way to use is to cook the fermented rice water. However, some people don’t. Everyone’s hair is distinctive, hence try out both methods to see what works best for you.
Also, take note that fermented rice water is very potent. Hence, you can dilute it with a cup or two of warm water before using it. Adjust depending on your hair’s needs and useless for oily hair and more for dry hair.
Making Rice Water Using Boiling Method
You can also boil the rice to make rice water. For that, boil the rice employing more water than you would typically do. Once it starts boiling, drain out the surplus water and use; or you can also let the rice fully cooked, strain, and utilize that excess water. Make sure the concentrated rice water be diluted with plain water.
Using Rice Water for Gorgeous Hair
Rice water for Hair rinse: You can accept fermented or even plain rice water for this.
Cleaning your hair with rice water repairs and strengthens damaged hair shaft while providing elasticity, shine, and smoothness.
Hair Rinsing with Fermented Rice Water
Owing to its tons of nutrients and low pH, fermented rice water makes for a great conditioner. It brings a glow to your hair and helps to keep it strong and healthy.
You will need the following ingredients:
1 cup plain water
1 cup boiled rice water
Lay all the ingredients in a mug or restraint bottle and shake well.
How to use: After shampooing, drench your hair with rice water. Gently caress your scalp and hair and let it go on for 4 to 5 minutes. Then rinse your hair thoroughly with water. Use it once a week as the last rinse.
You can even use rice water as a hair mask to drive hair growth. Simply stroke rice water into your scalp and hair and leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse out.
Which Rice to Buy?
You can choose from a variety of rice such as:
Organic Rice
White Basmati Rice
Brown Basmati Rice
Long Grain Rice
Short Grain Rice
Jasmine Rice
Every kind of rice has its own benefits to your hair. Plus, the way rice water is collected – rinsing, boiling, fermenting – will also alter the nutrient content and pH of this water. So, experiment openly and see what works best for your hair.
Author Bio:
Dr. Sohil Guntagani is a proficient writer who firmly believes in the age-old remedies and holistic medicine as a primary cure for several diseases. After graduating from Rajeev Gandhi University of Health Sciences, He embarked on a journey to find the truth about holistic and natural remedies.